An Unwelcome Visit from the Spanish Lady

California State Archives

One photograph shows Jack Biller, a member of the 322 Field Signal Battalion, with a cane after a bout with influenza, also known as "the Spanish Lady." The other photograph depicts a class in War Emergency Tractor Operation and Repair, in which the students are wearing face masks. Face masks were mandatory in many areas of California between 1918-1919, in an attempt to minimize the impact of the flu epidemic that was sweeping the globe. Identification Information: Photograph of Jack Biller: caption taken directly from photograph album, Military Department, Stanley Cundiff Collection (75-123), Volume 2; War Emergency class: Department of Education, Vocational Education, Photographs, 1918-1919 (F3752:2020(3)).